The whole of the UK is (mostly) enjoying heatwave. Nice if you are able to get out, but if you’re stuck in work the heat can be a bit unpleasant.

And the temperature is set to rise further this week - reaching 32C in some places.

So the question on everyone's lips is "is it too hot to work?"

We asked a health and safety expert for the answer.

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Unfortunately, there are no specific rules allowing you to get out of work if it’s too hot - with no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures.

The Health and Safety Executive which creates and enforces the regulations claim that bringing in a rule would be impractical, especially as some places of work would require extremes of temperature.

But before you start feigning sickness, there are some guidelines in place that might

The workplace health, safety and welfare regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for a safe working environment.

Regulation seven, which deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplace, states: “During working hours, the temperature in all work places inside buildings shall be reasonable."

Which is pretty ambiguous and allows a lot of leeway regarding what could be considered a reasonable temperature.

While employers are not legally obliged to provide air conditioning, they are expected to provide reasonable temperatures. And if a significant number of employees are concerned about the temperature in the workplace, the employer should carry out a risk assessment.

(Image: E+ Getty Images)

Speaking of the issue, which is a common question asked by businesses, Luke Taylor TechIOSH, Health and Safety manager said: "Unfortunately the HSE don't give any guidance like this for the maximum temperature. Simply put, it comes down to a matter of common sense.

"If a large proportion of a workforce are complaining of the heat, it's safe to say it's too hot and control measures need to be put into place to reduce the heat.

"Air conditioning units, fans, window blinds and rest breaks are some examples of common workplace controls when it comes to tackling heat. You can never make everyone happy 100% of the time, but every employer should take reasonable steps to ensure their employees are comfortable when at work and not subject to ill health effects from high temperatures.

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"Doing this has the bonus of increasing productivity and can prevent disgruntled employees complaining to enforcement bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive which could result in some costly legal action."

But there may be a bit of hope for sweltering workers as a union is campaigning for the rules to be tightened on workplace conditions - even proposing a change in the law.

There is no official maximum temperature for the office (Image: Getty)

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) would like maximum and minimum temperatures introduced. The TUC says: “Trade unions want to see a legal maximum temperature for indoor work of 30°C (27°C for those doing strenuous work), so that employers and workers know when action must be taken. It should be stressed that this is intended as an absolute maximum rather than an indication that regular indoor work at just below 30°C would be acceptable.

“When the workplace gets too hot it is more than just an issue about comfort.

“If the temperature goes too high then it can become a health and safety issue. If people get too hot, they risk dizziness, fainting, or even heat cramps.

“In very hot conditions the body’s blood temperature rises. If the blood temperature rises above 39 °C, there is a risk of heat stroke or collapse. Delirium or confusion can occur above 41°C."